My horse has a funky white plaque inside his ears. Everything I’ve read says to leave it alone, and it doesn’t seem to bother him, but it bothers me! Is there any safe treatment for it? Could it potentially cause problems if I don’t treat it? – via HorseChannel.com
What you’re describing sounds like aural plaques (“aural” referring to the ear, and “plaque” describing whitish, flaky lesions on the inside of the ear). They are thought to be the body’s chronic, inflammatory response to a papilloma viral infection (similar to warts) spread by biting insects. Aural plaques can be a purely cosmetic problem—like in your case–or cause severe ear sensitivity. It’s not exactly known what aspect of this condition specifically makes the ears sensitive to grooming, haltering, bridling and other common handling procedures.
Generally, veterinarians recommend not treating aural plaques since repeated handling of the ears seems to inflame the area and sensitize the horse. Despite this, some owners have reported success with various ointments, especially those containing steroids or other anti-inflammatory agents. Scrubbing or scraping should be avoided, however. A fly mask with ears is the best protection against new fly bites or irritation from flies. Horses that have become ear or head shy due to these plaques or their treatment may need specific training to condition them to accept ear and head handling.
A study on a new ointment showed that it appears to resolve the plaques inside the ear. Unfortunately, the treatment is expensive and painful, with most horses requiring sedation. But for horses and owners that have been dealing with problematic aural plaques for a long time, it may provide relief.
If you haven’t already asked your vet to look at these plaques, get him or her involved to confirm the diagnosis and rule out a more serious problem such as sarcoids or sarcoma. Your vet will also be your best resource in deciding whether to address the aural plaques or leave them alone, as has been suggested. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!
Lydia F. Gray, DVM, MA SmartPak Staff Veterinarian and Medical Director Dr. Lydia Gray has earned a Bachelor of Science in agriculture, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), and a Master of Arts focusing on interpersonal and organizational communication. After “retiring” from private practice, she put her experience and education to work as the American Association of Equine Practitioner’s first-ever Director of Owner Education. Dr. Gray continues to provide health and nutrition information to horse owners through her position at SmartPak, through publication in more than a dozen general and trade publications, and through presentations around the country. She is the very proud owner of a Trakehner named Newman that she actively competes with in dressage and combined driving. In addition to memberships in the USDF and USEF, Dr. Gray is also a member of the Illinois Dressage and Combined Training Association (IDCTA). She is a USDF “L” Program Graduate and is currently working on her Bronze Medal. Find Dr. Gray on Google+
My horse has these and they are slightly sensitive. My vet told me to wipe with baby oil. I’ve done this for a year now and it seems to prevent them from coming back!
We use clear Swat biweekly to keep the plaque from getting scaley and sore
My vet just prescribed a topical that is a mix of Aldera and steriods to apply daily. The steroids keep the Aldera therapy comfortable and enable the average Joe (me) to apply. It seems to be working. In the past, my horse has been very, very ear shy and Aldera along just about sent her through the roof of the barn.
My mule had plaque once – I used a very small amount of a natural topical wound ointment on it first, then followed up during the next few days with a natural body lotion (no chemicals in it). The plaque never came back! My mule is white with a few pink spots, so I use all natural lotion on a few places on her body. It works perfectly, and has helped to keep the plaque from returning in her ears.
Thank you for this information! My horse has this and I had no clue what it was. It appears only in the summer. I thought it was a reaction to the fly spray. His ears are sensitive as well to the touch.
My gelding used to get the white plaque in the summer and would continue year round (but not worsen, he lives in a heated show barn). He was being shown heavily at the time so his ears were clipped down with a 40 blade. I switched to only using fly masks with ears and apply the pink swat inside of his ears weekly. The swat helped protect him in the stall and if he ever lost his fly mask. After one summer of living with pink swat the white plaque healed and went away. He only has 1 small dormant spot that has stuck around for almost 10 years but isn’t painful.